DETROIT -- To no ones surprise, Patrice Bergeron, Jonathan Toews and Anze Kopitar are the finalists for the Selke Trophy, given to the NHLs best defensive forward. Jaccob Slavin Jersey . Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks have each finished in the top three in voting for the past three seasons, and Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings was fourth last season. For Bergeron its an honour that underscores how much hes respected around the game for his two-way play. "I think youre always trying to work on things and I feel like the complete game is something that I take a lot of pride in and Im trying to work on," the Quebec City native said Thursday. "I think that this year I mean obviously I got the bounces offensively, but that being said it doesnt mean that I let the defensive part of the game out." Bergeron, who narrowly lost the 2013 Selke to Toews after winning it in 2012, has to be considered the favourite. His 1,015 faceoff victories were the most by any NHL player in the past seven seasons. "It makes you proud because you know hes well deserving of that, he has been for years now," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "Always up there in plus-minus, always plays against top players, and hes got 30 goals this year playing against top lines. I cant find a better candidate than him. Certainly deserves the nomination. Well see how it goes, but in our regards hes been the best." Toews, who thrived in a shutdown role as perhaps Team Canadas best forward at the Sochi Olympics, led the Blackhawks in ice time and won 57.2 per cent of his faceoffs. Kopitar played the most short-handed minutes of the leagues top 30 scorers and keyed the Kings top-rated defensive effort. Hes the first player in Los Angeles franchise history to be a Selke finalist. Detroits Pavel Datsyuk, a finalist last year and the winner in 2008, 2009 and 2010, missed a big chunk of this season with a knee injury. Jake Bean Jersey .com) - Matt Beleskey has helped give the Anaheim Ducks some scoring depth and hell look to stay hot on Wednesday night when his club hosts the struggling Philadelphia Flyers. Andrej Sekera Jersey . 1. Did the Senators trade the wrong goalie? Lets make one thing clear: The Ottawa Senators acquired Ben Bishop from the St. Louis Blues for one reason and one reason alone. http://www.hockeyhurricanes.com/nathan-gerbe-hockey-jersey/ .C. -- The RBC Cups semifinal participants were decided by a pair of overtime games. JUPITER, Fla. -- Matt Carpenter called agreeing to a new US$52-million, six-year deal with St. Louis a no-brainer. The Cardinals are hoping their third baseman sticks even longer than that. "Hes the type of player youd like to think could finish his career as a Cardinal," St. Louis chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt said Saturday. St. Louis began contract talks with Carpenter in August. Both sides characterized the negotiations smooth. "It was not one of those where we were sitting there debating all of Matts faults or his weaknesses, because there werent any," St. Louis General Manager John Mozeliak said. "Hes really a special person not only on the field but off the field." The deal includes a team option for a seventh year in 2020 at $18.5 million. Should the St. Louis decline the option, they would pay Carpenter a $2-million buyout. "For a baseball junkie like myself, I cant think of a better place to play than the city of St. Louis," Carpenter said. "Busch Stadium, I still pinch myself every time I make that drive to the field. "Playing in front of these fans, the city of St. Louis, Cardinal baseball as a whole, its just so much fun. Its such a privilege to put on this jersey. Its something I dont take lightly at all." Carpenters agent, Bryan Cahill, said the 28-year-old received a $1-million signing bonus and will make $1.55 million this season. Joakim Nordstrom Jersey. The salary escalates each year, reaching $14.5 million in 2019. Carpenter hit .318 while leading the National League in hits (199), doubles (55) and runs (126) last season and playing mostly second base. He is moving back to third this season, where he has played most of his professional career. He earned his first all-star selection in 2013 and finished fourth in MVP voting. A 13th-round draft choice out of TCU in 2009, Carpenters first full season in the majors was 2012. Carpenter switched to second during last spring training and started 128 games as a middle infielder in 2013. He also played 24 games at third. Known in the clubhouse for his work ethic and daily preparation, it hasnt taken Carpenter long to take on a leadership role. Hes made an impact not only on the younger Cardinals, but also on the veterans. "They cant help but watch," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "OK, how did this guy get on the board all of the sudden? "Hows he in the MVP running? Where did this come from? They cant help but translate the work thats put in and the discipline." He fought back emotion at Saturdays press conference. "I realize what a responsibility this is for me," Carpenter said. "Im really looking forward to living up to this and continuing being part of such a great organization." Cheap NFL JerseysWholesale JerseysWholesale NFL JerseysJerseys From ChinaWholesale NFL JerseysCheap NFL JerseysCheap Jerseys ' ' '